Yankees, Giants Discuss Matsui

The Toronto Sun reports that the Yankees and the Giants have discussed the possibility of a trade involving Hideki Matsui and one of San Francisco’s young starting pitchers.

The Giants and the New York Yankees have discussed left fielder Hideki Matsui for a starter. Matsui does have a complete no-trade clause.

There are constant rumors swirling about the Giants looking to deal either Matt Cain or Tim Linceum for an outfielder. The Giants need hitting as Barry Bonds, by far their most dangerous offensive weapon, will not be back in the Bay Area next season. If the Yanks can turn Matsui into either prized youngster, they should jump all over it.

Cain and Lincecum are both under 24 years old. Cain is the more proven commodity as he posted a 3.65 ERA and threw 200 innings this past season. He throws a heavy fastball in the low to mid 90’s and compliments it with a changeup and hard breaking pitches Lincecum has slightly better stuff, sporting a fastball consistently in the mid 90’s, occasionally hitting the upper 90’s, a nasty curveball in the mid 80’s, a changeup, and a slider. He posted a 4.00 ERA in 146 Major League innings in 2007. His arm is still developing and might not be ready for a 200+ inning load. However, he has shown no durability problems thus far in his young career despite his slender 5′10″ build. He once threw over 140 pitches in a college game and played long toss the next day. With a few starting pitchers already slated for innings caps, Cain could be the better choice for 2008. Linecum might be a better longterm acquisition. Attaining either frontline starter for Matsui would be incredible.

The Yankees could play Johnny Damon in left and Jason Giambi at DH. This blog has stated its concern over how well the aging former stars will hold up, but if this team can get another potential young ace, it would be worth the risk. Matsui is a nice player, but he is getting older and has been battling injuries lately. The team has a logjam at outfield and DH. Given the age of the players in that logjam, depth is a good thing. Still, a young top starter is better to have than a big bat in reserve.

It is important to take these rumors with a grain of salt. Word from Toronto is that the Giants want more than Alex Rios in exchange for Cain or Lincecum. That means Matsui on his own will likely not get it done. However, if the reports that the Yanks are cooling on Johan Santana and Danny Haren are true, they should talking to the Giants a top priority. If the Giants do not get crazy in trade parameters beyond Matsui, the Yankees should do everything within their power to make a deal happen.